Toyota's old 4.0-liter V-6 has been replaced with the new Atkinson-cycle 3.5 V-6, which adds direct-injection when more revs are needed to deliver more power. Horsepower has increased to 278 from 236, and torque is rated at 265 pound-feet. A 6-speed automatic transmission offers quicker and smoother shifts than the former 5-speed. The TRD Pro also is available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

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The review model delivered to me was equipped with the automatic, which teamed well with the V-6 in two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and four-wheel low range. The transfer case and automatic limited-slip differential are electronically controlled. The push of a "crawl" button in 4Lo allowed me to guide the Tacoma downslope in tough terrain at about 3 mph without braking. A Multi-Terrain Select system offers a five-mode regulation of wheel-spin.

Interesting is an integrated inclinometer or tilt gauge showing angles of slopes in side roll and front and rear pitch while off-roading in uneven terrain.

The tougher build of the TRD Pro comes with a price jump. Optional items such as glass-breaking sensor, paint-protection film, mudguards and bed mat added to the base price of $42,760 lifted the sticker total to $45,087.

Eleven months ago, in December, with outdoor temp at 20 degrees and snow on the ground, I drove a 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4X4 Sport Double Cab to the Terry Bison Ranch just across the state line into Wyoming.

That Tacoma, fairly well-equipped, was $10,000 cheaper at $35,280, than this week's TRD Pro. With the same 3.5 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, it performed more briskly than the beefed-up TRD Pro. The '16 model averaged 20.2 miles per gallon.

— Bud Wells, a native of Wray, is a former Page 1 editor of the Denver Post and has reviewed automobiles for the past 40 years. He can be contacted at budwellscars@comcast.net.